Foundation is a polarizing topic. As with other touchy products like liquid eyeliner and red lipstick, some people love it, some can’t stand it, and some fall somewhere in that zone of ambivalence. I identify with the latter group, as I adore a full face of makeup right down to the perfect foundation but could just as easily skip that step in my day-to-day regimen.
What matters most to me is that any formula I wear, whether it’s for all day or just a couple of hours, needs to feel lightweight on my skin. We’ve all experienced heavy, cakey foundation that might look nice in photos but is an absolute nightmare to wear. It smudges, it transfers, and sometimes you can actually feel it clogging your pores. No, thank you!
Even if full coverage is your goal, lightweight formulas can get you there. There are tons of gorgeous, weightless options that deliver impressive pigment and still feel like you’re not even wearing makeup. Ahead, check out our edit of the 16 best lightweight foundations that both makeup artists and editors praise.
The Best Lightweight Foundations, Listed
- Best for Color Correcting: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation
- Best for an Airbrushed Finish: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
- Best for Buildable Coverage: Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
- Best for Normal and Combination Skin: RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation
- Best for Beginners: NARS All Day Luminous Foundation
- Best for Subtle Coverage: Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation
- Best for All-Day Wear: L’Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation
- Best for a Glowing-From-Within Look: Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation
- Best for a Dewy Base: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
- Best for a Blurred Finish: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
- Best for Replenishing Hydration: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
- Best for Smooth-Looking Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
- Best for Concealing: Kjaer Weiss Refillable Cream Foundation
- Best for All-Over Use: MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
- Best Drugstore Option: Revlon PhotoReady Candid Glow Moisture Glow Anti-Pollution Foundation
- Best Luxury Option: Chanel Ultra Le Teint
Best for Color Correcting: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation
Best For an ‘Air-Brushed’ Finish: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Best for Layering Product: Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
Best for Normal and Combination Skin: RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation
Best for Beginners: Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Best for Subtle Coverage: Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation
Best for All-Day Wear: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation
Best for a Glowing-From-Within Look: Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation
Best for a Dewy Base: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
Light-Coverage
Best for a Blurred Finish: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Best for Replenishing Hydration: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Best Smooth-Looking Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Best for Concealing: Kjaer Weiss Refillable Cream Foundation
Best For Use All Over: MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face and Body Foundation
Best Drugstore Option: Revlon PhotoReady Candid Glow Anti-Pollution Foundation
Best Luxury Option: Chanel Ultra Le Teint
Finding Your Foundation Match
Shopping for a lightweight foundation without knowing what to look out for can make the process of finding your perfect match can be tough. Luckily, we have leading industry experts on speed dial like Hourglass Director of Global Artistry Development, Alexandra McCormick for guidance. When hunting for a foundation that will best serve her goal of finding a product that looks and feels like her skin, but better; she compares and contrasts how they’ve been formulated. “I want a foundation that’s going to even out my skin and look dewy and fresh and never heavy or cakey,” she tells us.
McCormick also encourages shoppers to be mindful of their skin type and texture when looking for a new foundation. “Someone with dry skin really wants to use a foundation that is hydrating and gives their skin a dewy appearance. If you have more textured or acne prone skin, you want to make sure you’re not accentuating it with formulas that are too glowy. Something with a soft matte finish works well for textured skin,” explains McCormick.
Choosing The Best Option and Achieving a Flawless Application
When choosing the best option for the job, it all comes down to what you’d like to get out of your foundation and how you’d like to use it. For example, McCormick likes the Hourglass Veil Skin Tint ($49) for when she’s traveling or in the mood for light coverage. Its buildable formula contains hyaluronic acid; making it incredibly lightweight and hydrating. Additionally, when she wants more coverage with a smooth, flawless finish; she uses Hourglass’ Ambient Soft Glow Foundation ($58).
To ensure a smooth and flawless-looking application, McCormick highlights skin prep is one of the most important steps to take. “The way you prep and prime your skin is super important when it comes to foundation application,” she says “Your skin needs to be well moisturized, and a good primer is important.” A primer can extend wear time and majorly effect the finished look. She also suggests using good quality brushes like her personal favorite, the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush ($47).
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Source: WhoWhatWear
